31 July,2025 05:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Designer JJ Valaya unveiled his collection `East` at India Couture Week 2025 (Pic Courtesy/PTI)
Veteran designer JJ Valaya brought the curtains down on Hyundai India Couture Week (ICW) 2025, with newcomers Rasha Thadani and Ibrahim Ali Khan turning showstoppers for the grand finale of the fashion extravaganza on Wednesday, July 30, in New Delhi.
Valaya unveiled his collection âEast', which was divided into three parts representing the layered charm of the Balkans, the calm elegance of the Far East, and the royal splendour of India, according to the collection note. The showcase fused together different cultures and eras.
Models walked the ramp in intricately embroidered lehengas, and bold striped dupattas and metallic threadwork were recurring elements. The menswear reflected a modern royal aesthetic with sharply tailored black sherwanis and minimal gold detailing.
Speaking about his collection, Valaya told PTI that it is called âEast' because it is inspired by his journey to the eastern hemisphere of the planet.
"It was the Balkans, Paris and, of course, India and I picked up various nuances from different cultures and put them together in a unified collection. I am a strong believer of multiculturalism, I don't believe in drawing boundaries when it comes to artisans, craft and art. It has to come together to create a wonderful statement of beauty," Valaya explained.
Abhishek Sharma opens the show
Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma opened the show for Valaya, walking down the ramp in off-white kurta and churidar. He paired it with a matching jacket featuring intricate floral embroidery in pastel hues, which could also be seen on the kurta.
Actor-couple Rahul Dev and Mugdha Godse made a surprise appearance during the show. While Dev donned a black Indo-western outfit paired with a turban, Godse wore a black fusion gown.
Rasha Thadani, Ibrahim Ali Khan turn showstoppers
Bollywood newcomers Rasha Thadani and Ibrahim Ali Khan closed the show in style.
Thadani looked elegant in a deep-hued embroidered lehenga adorned with intricate resham threadwork, antique gold metallic embroidery and bird motifs. It was paired with a fitted blouse and a striking dupatta featuring a fauna print.
Khan complemented her in a classic black velvet sherwani with tonal embroidery, styled with voluminous dhoti pants.
India Couture Week 2025 designers
The week-long fashion extravaganza, which is an initiative by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), commenced on July 23 and concluded on July 30.
Several Indian designers showcased their 2025 Fall/Winter couture collections at the event. These included: Rahul Mishra, Isha Jajodia, Suneet Varma, Amit Aggarwal, Falguni Shane Peacock, Tarun Tahiliani, Ritu Kumar, Shantnu Nikhil, Jayanti Reddy, label Rohit Bal, Aisha Rao, Rimzim Dadu and JJ Valaya. Manish Malhotra ditched the traditional runway to host a couture party that showcased some of his most iconic creations.
(With inputs from PTI)
